How do you cope in daily life with your fear of dogs? If you could apply those strategies for when you run that might help? I agree about treadmills... Not fun at all!good luck

I do have sympathy with you as I am not keen on dogs myself. There tend to be a few dog walkers on my normal route, but fortunately so far those off the leads (dogs, not dog walkers) were well behaved. I decided that I would try ignore the dogs as long as they were close to their owners and hope for the best. We have a small wood nearby, but apart from the fact that it's hilly, the thing that puts me off there is the dogs running "wild". Not exactly a tip, just an expression of solidarity... Which fun run is it you are doing in Brum in September?

I guess a lot will depend on where you live for options: in town you may encounter less dogs off the lead but have more woes in the form of traffic. Maybe you could find a local Athletics club with access to a track? Or even round our way there are clubs that regularly use the town for training together? Safety in numbers & all that ...

Don't let the dog thing hold you back. You can do it. Most dogs are not interested in you. They prefer lamposts and other dogs in the main

Dogs are a pain in the bum. I like them, but they're allowed on our Parkrun and there is one particular woman who has hers on an extendable lead and it ALWAYS trips people up! Very annoying.

Have you tried running in a park at all? There's always tons of flipping dogs in our local one but they have never been interested in me at all.

If you could afford it, hypnotherapy would DEFINITELY work wonders. Or as mrstickle says if you run with a club, or even just a couple of other people you might be less bothered by them. Did you do the C25K program on a treadmill?

There will be a way, loads of people hate dogs. I hope you find it soon. School playing fields? Some have public access but dogs are banned for obvious reasons.

Gosh could you try hypnosis. It would be such a shame that soemthing like this would hold you back. maybe some sort of cognitive behavioural therapy or desentisation??

It is a shame really. I think it boils down to dog's owners spoiling it for everyone by not training their dogs. My Dog is well trained and actually more obedient and well behaved than a child. (He only barks on command or emergency and does both his businesses on command as well! Now you could not have a child do this! ) He goes with me on my early morning runs. I let him loose and he enjoys the freedom while looking after me. I am now training him to run by me on a short lead. He does not care about other people. It is just our wellbeing that is important to him.

The thing is, there will always be dogs around, so you should look at your fears and see what can be done. We have areas here where dogs are not allowed, or school sports grounds, some beaches. You should be able to run somewhere dog free. Check with your Council. Shame you can't meet my dog. He is more of a friend than a dog really

I used to have a fear of strange dogs until I got two of my own. Then I got better at determining how they behave when they are excited, scared, angry, etc. I am now fine with strange dogs because I can interpret their intention better. And I'm less tense as well, nervous people behavior can make dogs nervous as well. Do you know any dog trainers that could take you out around some dogs? I'm sorry to hear it's such a common issue where you are. Here in Canada they're supposed to be kept on the lead except in designated parks. Of course, folks often don't obey.

Confession time -you are not alone. When I was younger I was out playing with my friend and she was subject to an unproked and very savage dog attack. I got help. The dog was shot , she was hospitalised for weeks and eventually moved. She didn't die bit I lost my friend. I have been terrified of dogs since- although over the years it's lessened.

Ok so how to handle this- well it different for everyone and you have to find you own way. One thing for sure like any phobia , you either find the strength to face it or it will rule your life. What running has given me is inner strength- I never thought I could run, but inner strength helped. I never though I could face dogs. - but they won't rule my life. I run. But not in a park. - too many there. I run on roads or canal paths. There are the odd dog. But because of the dangers they are on leads. I can cope with that , close you eyes and your past.

Bellevue me , don't let this hold you back, just find a way. You can, there is always a way.

Good luck

I do really sympAthise too about dogs, I love dogs and owned a gorgeous little cocker spaniel. The problem in chile is dogs wonder free, I have had a few moments and it makes me nervous. I try to avoid them too but sometimes this is not possible, luckily they are mainly placid but I am not 100% convinced. What keeps me running outside is some days I don't have any encounters with dogs and your right being on a treadmill for 10km is a drag.

Secondly, please be assured dogs tend not to really bother you and if they do I have been known to tell owners that they should keep their dog on a lead. remember you also have a right to use public spaces and owners should be responsible, if you ever get he/she won't do anything my answer is always "I don't know that do I" usually this gets them thinking.